Conservatives need to be consistent with principles

There’s a cancer in the conservative movement. The carcinogenic catalyst is Donald Trump. This cancer leads to the abandonment of conservative principles and values. I figured Trump would’ve faded away once people saw through his facade of respectability, but he never bothered putting up a facade. He openly remained the same deplorable person he’s always been and, worse, his supporters embrace that.

The first time I heard Trump mention someone in a speech, a supporter shout out, “Loser!” and Trump smile like a proud papa, I caught a glimpse of this contagion. Trump abuses verbally; his supporters abuse verbally. He objectifies, belittles and devalues women, even blaming one for her own bruises; they do the same and go further, including threatening to kill her. He encourages violence; they punch people and threaten worse, including murder. But it’s OK since Trump said he’ll pay their legal fees, right?

All this would normally be enough for us to condemn Trump without hesitation, but many refuse to judge Trump by normal standards. Conservatives who normally promote integrity and truth turn a blind eye while supporting him. People like Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter sing his praises and run interference. Even local radio personality, Kelly O’Connell, seems to have fallen under the Trump spell and appears inclined to ignore the ugly truth while parroting talking points from the Trump campaign.

I understand people are angry and frustrated. I am, too. We’ve been lied to, used and betrayed by GOP leadership, both nationally and within our state. But, when you view the world through the lens of frustration and anger, you make bad decisions. Any action becomes acceptable as long as it benefits the “greater good.” That’s how we lose our way.

Trump’s cloaked himself in the guise of conservatism while exhibiting the worst traits in humanity, which the left have falsely accused us of over the years. If we buy into the lie that we’ve no choice but to support any GOP candidate, we give credence to those accusations, especially of elitism, bigotry and misogyny through guilt by association. If we give in to pressure or allow ourselves to be conned by this snake oil salesman and support him, we will be measured and judged based on his behaviors.

I don’t care who the candidate is or what letter he puts by his name; we must stand firm on our principles and values. That’s what creates the solid foundation of integrity and consistency upon which we build our character and identity, both as individuals and as conservatives. Make no mistake, the only way for a true conservative to actively support Trump is to ignore, devalue and abandon conservative principles and values. In doing so, our foundation weakens and cracks and ends up being more like loose dirt than rock ... and you know what happens when you build your house on shifting sand.

On the plus side, Trump is still a long way from victory. The primaries in New Mexico aren’t until June. I’d ask anyone planning on supporting Trump to think carefully before then. What would you tell your children if they ask if you supported Trump? Can you honestly tell them that he valued the things you valued or that he acted in a way that you want your children to act? If not, then do you want to tell them that winning is more important than what you normally claim to value? Be aware: You won’t have to say it at that point. Your actions will have shown what’s in your heart.